Erin’s Big Idea:
Students created a water quality and chemistry project focused on species loss due to human impact and climate change. They adapted an existing Maine program – Trout Kids – and raised native brook trout from eggs in the classroom. Students performed on-site water quality assessments to find the most suitable release location for the young fish. Erin expanded on the chemistry topics in the Trout Kids program, and used the trout to deepen engagement in climate change, natural resources, and chemistry units. Chemistry lessons were structured on the elements, molecules, and compounds that pollute and disrupt habitats. Erin looped a previously created tangential water filtration project with her Big Idea to deepen students’ understanding of the importance of clean water for humans and wildlife, and the myriad of threats to native species.
Objectives included:
- A greater understanding of the importance of chemistry in daily life, and the lives of non-human organisms;
- Testing and interpreting various water parameters like pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and coliforms/bacteria using adult-grade chemical equipment;
- Learning to explain the importance of clean, clear water to native trout populations, using specific water quality data to justify their explanation;
- Making decisions based on collected data;
- Learning proper trout husbandry, as well as general tank animal caretaking
Interesting Fact:
Erin loves to spend time outdoors, and recently started rock climbing (indoors). Before teaching she did a variety of outdoor education work and taught skiing.
